Developed by Audi's Racing Division, quattro GmbH

The AudiRS3 Sportback" was launched in October 2015 as a compact premium model. Its tagline is "the most powerful in its category." It features a high-output 270kW (367ps) engine and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Driving it is exceptionally fun.

This is the second generation in its home market.Audi RS3. This is the first time it has landed in Japan. Based on the "A3" Sportback, it was developed by Audi's racing division, quattro GmbH. The engine is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder. This sporty unit, first adopted in the 2009 Audi "A3TT RS," and also featured in the "TT RS" and also featured in the "RS Q3" is a sporty unit.

From the front, the large air dams, flared front fenders, and the front grille with its gloss-black honeycomb pattern and RS3 badge are eye-catching. The matte-finished chrome side mirror housings, indicating it's an RS model, are also distinctive.

The ride height is lowered by 25mm compared to the standard model, and the track width is increased both front and rear. The suspension has also been reinforced, with improved rigidity at the mounting points. The engine is compact and lightweight, yet Audi claims it offers excellent durability, making it truly sporty at its core.

The RS3 Sportback does not disappoint based on its looks. Once you get behind the wheel, you'll find it exceeds expectations. With peak torque of 465Nm available from just 1,625rpm and a wide powerband up to 5,500rpm, the acceleration is exhilarating, making the 4.3-second 0-100km/h sprint entirely believable. The maximum output is delivered between 5,500-6,800rpm, offering a sensation of seemingly endless power.

The RS3 Sportback's appeal isn't limited to its acceleration.

Rocket-like Acceleration

The RS3 Sportback also delivers superb driving enjoyment in its handling. The car's response to steering inputs is immediate and precise. For anyone familiar with Audi's RS models, it's not surprising, but the sharpness – far beyond what you'd expect from a compact hatchback – leaves a strong impression, whether during acceleration or cornering.

The RS3 Sportback is clearly engineered for performance, featuring petal-shaped brake discs for weight reduction. These "showy" touches are effective, and the actual performance is outstanding. By skillfully controlling the accelerator and brake pedals, you can navigate corners at impressive speeds. Braking is delicate, steering is precise, and the acceleration out of the apex of a corner is like a rocket.

In an era of downsizing, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine represents a certain luxury. As mentioned earlier, it achieves high performance while also being lightweight and compact. According to Audi, it measures 49cm in length and weighs 180kg. It is reportedly assembled by hand at the factory. This engine also contributes to the sporty handling.

The engine responds sensitively to accelerator input and revs freely to high RPMs. The seven-speed dual-clutch "S tronic" transmission is also highly responsive. Selecting "Dynamic" mode via the "Drive Select" on the dashboard is also an option. It serves as a powerful reminder that "the engine is the car."

Settling into the supportive leather sport seats and gripping the steering wheel, you might forget you're driving a four-door hatchback.

Furthermore, there's another reason for the popularity of Audi's RS line.

No Compromise on Comfort

Simply put, the appeal of Audi's RS line lies in its "premium feel." While evoking a connection to the racetrack, it's far from the spartan nature of a pure race car.

In the 1980s, there was a saying, "a wolf in sheep's clothing," and many sporty sedans then had minimalist interiors and even no door panels. However, the latest RS3 Sportback offers no compromises in comfort.

The equipment is the same as the standard model. In fact, it includes exclusive features for the RS3 Sportback, such as special sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which effectively create a sense of exclusivity.

While a direct comparison might be difficult, the 1.4-liter front-wheel-drive A3 Sportback with 90kW (122ps) starts at 3.03 million yen, whereas the 270kW (367ps) full-time 4WD RS3 Sportback is priced at 7.53 million yen.

The justification for the price lies in its performance, tuned by specialists with even manual assembly, as detailed above, and its high-quality equipment. Additionally, the RS brand identity, bolstered by Audi's extensive marketing efforts, is surely enough to satisfy an owner's pride.

Thanks to the supple suspension, the ride comfort is excellent, and the generous trunk space ensures ample practicality. You can travel anywhere, whether for a vacation, a round of golf, or even to snowy mountains with winter tires, without any hardship. Despite its racing-inspired image, it demands no sacrifices. The Audi RS3 Sportback, a testament to Audi's capabilities, offers big thrills despite its compact size.

Audi RS 3 Sportback
Body Dimensions | Length 4,345 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,440 mm
Wheelbase | 2,630 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,560 / 1,515 mm
Weight | 1,560 kg
Engine | 2,480cc Inline 5-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 92.8 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.0
Max. Output | 270 kW (367 ps) / 5,500-6,800 rpm
Max. Torque | 465 Nm (47.4 kgm) / 1,625-5,550 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic)
Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-Link
Tires | 235/35R19
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs
Trunk Capacity | 280 Liters
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 13.1 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 177 g/km
Steering Position | Right
Price | 7.56 million yen